Workshop Description...
This is a full day workshop!!!
The idea for this class evolved from my daily drawing/painting projects. I'll share the benefits of creating small artworks in a series.
Participants will experiment with the process of editing flower photos to create simplified bold compositions to use as subject matter for small floral artworks (5x7 ish or smaller).
We will create 2-3 small pieces (time permitting) that will start as drawings, and develop more fully using paint, with a focus on mark-making to add interest and find visual rhythms and hooks within the flower motifs.
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NOTE: Artists without a smartphone/tablet can still participate in the workshop by downloading and printing a few of the reference photos below to explore simplifying compositions using paper 'L' corners. After the workshop I'll post a copy of the presentation online so participants can review and experiment with the workshop concepts at home.
Materials Suggestions...
A list of materials that will help you complete the projects in this workshop...
Instructor provides some sample photos (below) to work from, participants can also use their own photos as points of departure.
- 5"x7"-ish watercolor or mixed media paper
- Drawing tools (pencil, pen, eraser etc.)
- Watercolors, gouache, or acrylics (your preference)
- A range of paint brushes suitable for working small + water jar, rags etc
- Smartphone/tablet (charger), and/or printed photo references
Agenda for the day...
Workshop flow for the day...
- 9 a.m. - Welcome + workshop Intro
- Demo - choosing, cropping source photos, drawing from photo
- Work time -Crop and start drawings
- Demo - Explore mark-making and hooks, when drawing/painting
- Work time - Create first floral piece
- **12-1 Break for lunch**
- Work time - Create 1-3 variations using the process
- 3-4 p.m. - Group reflection, wrap-up
Workshop Details Download
Click below to get the guide for the workshop!
Photo Downloads...
Below are few of my flower photos that you can download to use to as reference during the workshop.
As you continue with your art journey I encourage you to take your own photos to use a reference. The photos you take yourself will be more suited to your particular aesthetic and way of working, and will provide the best point fo departure for you to create works of art that are 100% uniquely your own.
Links to free photo editing resources...
Below are some links to photo editors for phone or computer. You can also use the free photo editors that come stock with PC and Mac computers.
Canva- A super useful online program for use with laptop as well as a smartphone app. Features the ability to easily design using text and edit photos. Sign up to create an account for free, you can share your photos between the laptop version and phone app.
Snapseed, Free Google Smartphone app lets you easily edit photos on your phone. Available from the Google Play Store, you can also browse other photo editing app.
Share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, make announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
The daily art projects that inspired this workshop...
I found a lot of artistic value in setting aside a block of time in my calendar, and challenging myself to create daily... lots of good things have happened in my art practice a a result. You can explore my challenge collections below!
Explore
Painting-a-Day-2023
This collection featured one-of-a-kind small original paintings using photos from my camer roll. Each piece was 3.5"x5.5" acrylic paint on 140lb acid free paper
See the
Daily Sketching Project
In January 2024 I started the year with a daily sketching practice. I created small sketches of items around my house as a way to brush up my drawing skills and to have a low barrier way to be creative daily.
explore
Autumn Art Journal
Created in September of 2023. This collection features paintings that are snippets of autumn botanicals. Painted daily direct from the subject as plein-air, these images are 4.5"x6.5" using acrylic paint on 140lb, 8"x10" acid free paper.
Check out the
Draw to Paint, Daily Art Challenge
I created a flower artwork created using photos from my camera roll each day in January 2025. I started each artwork by creating a pencil/ink drawing and then added watercolor paint. The idea was to showcase drawing but also to have 'Spring Flowers Inspiration',
read the post
"What I learned creating 30 daily plein air paintings in 30 days!"
In this blog post article I share with you a behind the scenes view of the ups and downs of creating 30 plein air paintings in 30 days from my perspective as an artist.
About...
Cathy Horvath Buchanan is a Port Stanley painter known for her vibrant and whimsical landscape, beach and floral paintings.
Her work often features bold colors and playful compositions that evoke a sense of joy and wonder. Drawing inspiration from nature and folk art traditions, her paintings are characterized by their expressive style and imaginative themes.
Cathy’s paintings are collected worldwide, and licensed globally for products.